Steve Cole
October 2025 - Devoted Pair
About the Image(s)
Again at my favorite spot in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Markin Glen Park, this pair of Mute Swans were about for a couple of days. Did not seem they had a local nest or I could not find it. However they were very close like this during my time of observation (first week of July) and they seemed to be truly devoted to each other. Fujifilm XT2, 100-400 at 173mm (260 full frame), f5.6, ISO 400, 1/400. Processed in Lightroom with saturation slider at a minus 24 which is truly an abnormal adjustment for me.
8 comments posted
I like the intersecting lines of the vertical reeds in the background and the horizontal ripples in the water. Every thing is sharp, if a little over saturated -- especially the greens. The swans do have a decidedly gray/silver cast to them, even if they are in the shade. Nice reflections in the water. Interesting story telling. Posted: 10/11/2025 15:38:49
Jerry, I actually decreased the saturation in processing. The reeds were really bright and saturated green at that moment. It was a really a blue and clear sky day too.
Thanks for your suggestions and comments. I will give another go at processing it. Posted: 10/22/2025 11:36:29
Thanks for your suggestions and comments. I will give another go at processing it. Posted: 10/22/2025 11:36:29
Hi Steve,
You captured this couple beautifully! They may have been in the early stages of courtship, as you can see them facing each other with their heads in a reverent position. I agree that the whites have a slight blue cast and the greens might be a bit saturated. I'd also suggest cropping a little from the top of the image, as the yellow patch in the vegetation draws the viewer's attention. Posted: 10/21/2025 10:22:56
You captured this couple beautifully! They may have been in the early stages of courtship, as you can see them facing each other with their heads in a reverent position. I agree that the whites have a slight blue cast and the greens might be a bit saturated. I'd also suggest cropping a little from the top of the image, as the yellow patch in the vegetation draws the viewer's attention. Posted: 10/21/2025 10:22:56
Thanks Maria for your comments. I thought the yellow patch gave a little more depth to the photo but I see now it also might be a distraction too. As I noted in my reply to Jerry that I actually reduced the overall saturation, however perhaps I need to do a selection mask too. Posted: 10/22/2025 11:55:18
Nice capture Steve, I might crop just a bit off of the top to bring the birds out of the center. Bruce Posted: 10/23/2025 03:31:46
I like the relative poses of the 2 birds, as they are interacting with each other. It would be nice if they were a bit closer together, if that opportunity happened.
I also agree with the slight crop from the top and a bit more saturation reduction. Changing the white balance by increasing the color temperature (like a cloudy or shade setting) makes the swans white- and I think makes the reed color look better too. Posted: 10/23/2025 23:52:50
I also agree with the slight crop from the top and a bit more saturation reduction. Changing the white balance by increasing the color temperature (like a cloudy or shade setting) makes the swans white- and I think makes the reed color look better too. Posted: 10/23/2025 23:52:50
Hi
Most interesting part of the image is beautiful reflection of the swans on water. But swans seem to be over-exposed, similarly green grasses are over saturated, but grasses are showing great details of image also. Thanks for sharing such a colorful image. Posted: 10/25/2025 16:56:11
Most interesting part of the image is beautiful reflection of the swans on water. But swans seem to be over-exposed, similarly green grasses are over saturated, but grasses are showing great details of image also. Thanks for sharing such a colorful image. Posted: 10/25/2025 16:56:11
Steve- well captured. I like what Cindy has achieved - I wouldn't have knows that increasing the white balance would help both the whites and foliage saturation. Posted: 10/26/2025 13:14:38